Volume 156, No. 156 covering the 2nd Session of the 111th Congress (2009 - 2010) was published by the Congressional Record.
The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“STATEMENT TO COMMEMORATE THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY” mentioning the Environmental Protection Agency was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E2047-E2048 on Dec. 2, 2010.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
STATEMENT TO COMMEMORATE THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNITED STATES
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
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HON. JOE BACA
of california
in the house of representatives
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate four decades of the creation of a federal agency with the noble mission to protect human health and the environment. The founding of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on December 2, 1970, represented the start of remarkable environmental achievements for our nation. Their mission and valuable accomplishments have been well captured in EPA's 40th anniversary theme: ``Healthier Families, Cleaner Communities, A Stronger America.''
In this anniversary celebration, we should honor EPA's dedicated employees who during 40 years have worked hard to keep our land, air, and water clean and protected. Thanks to their efforts, expertise, and enthusiasm, this and future generations will be able to enjoy better environmental conditions in the places they work, live, and pray.
I take pride in representing a unique and diverse ecosystem in California's 43rd District. I particularly thank EPA for developing regulations that will assist the studies of water resources and groundwater conditions needed in potentially contaminated sites in my District. Sound environmental protection policies not only promote American security through better use of our natural resources, but they also ensure the vast beauty of our nation is safeguarded for future generations to enjoy.
Throughout its existence, EPA has developed different programs that effectively respond to public concerns about their water, air, and land. These programs ensure public safety and support to local communities struggling in a difficult economic environment. Efforts that ensure that polluters pay, such as the Superfund Program--that addresses the cleanup of toxic waste sites--provide important tools that help identify the parties responsible for contamination. The Superfund Program has successfully required identified responsible parties to pay for the cleanup of their contaminated sites which has saved taxpayers billions of dollars.
As a Member of Congress, I am committed to continue fighting for legislation that allows EPA to protect our treasured resources--
including ensuring clean air, safe drinking water for everyone and promoting cleaner, more efficient uses of America's natural resources.
Let us commemorate this milestone anniversary of the EPA by recognizing its people, its programs, and the progress they have made since the day the agency was founded 40 years ago. This celebration of EPA's legacy and accomplishments should also serve as a reminder of the work we still have ahead of us to protect the health and the environment of everyone in our communities and our nation.
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